A/N: Hello, readers. I have returned once again with a new chapter. Now, sit back and enjoy.
Disclaimer: My sign is, "I do not own Killer Instinct or Carrie."
Update: I've made considerable revisions in this chapter to add more detail.
Darkness blanketed the Andes foothills, filled with chirping crickets and croaking frogs. A breeze swept through the valley, carrying scents of wildflowers. The stars shone in the sky, and a full moon cast a warm, silver glow over the landscape. Amidst the dense forest canopy, an odd sound rippled through the forest. Aganos, a towering figure of stone and moss, lumbered forward, twigs and leaves crunching beneath its feet. Its tiny avatar sat on its shoulder, a miniature version of the golem with full stone hands.
In its rugged, green-rusted arms lay Hinmatoom, his body battered and bruised from the brutal clash with Fulgore. The stab wound on his stomach was still bleeding, albeit slowly, as the golem's Eye of the Ancients prevented him from losing too much blood. Each step seemed more urgent as Hinmatoom's condition worsened. Worried for its injured friend, Aganos quickened its pace, searching for help.
The Night Guard base remained silent within the City of Dawn, with its warriors patrolling the area.
Most of the gang fell asleep at the courtyard huts, exhausted from the festivities. Jago read his telekinesis book in a hut where he and TJ lived. Using a flashlight, he scanned the pages. Since encountering the Stalker units in Tibet, he hadn't forgotten Carrie's heart issue when using her powers during battle. Strange. There's no record of health-related problems linked to telekinesis. I could ask Carrie if someone from her family has had issues. From what I recall, she inherited her powers from her grandmother.
TJ sprang from his bed, panting, interrupting the monk's thoughts. He slipped his hands under the alpaca pelt blankets, patting his groin. "Oh, thank God. My mini-me is still here."
Jago raised an eyebrow. "Is everything alright?"
The boxer rested his hand on his forehead. "Sorry, man. I dreamed Ultratech had that candiru or whatever Maya called it. They planned to slip that thing inside me if I did not surrender."
"Sounds like you had quite the nightmare. Maybe you should avoid the spicy food before bed, mighty one."
"Yeah. I'm still reeling over eating a skewered fried guinea pig. Something tells me I'll have nightmares about that in the future. What's with the book?"
"It's to help Carrie. She has potential, but her power strains her heart. I hoped the book had answers to the problem."
TJ fell silent. "Why do you do it? Train Carrie, I mean?"
Jago bent a corner on a page and closed the book. "Her spirit reminds me of mine. Her strength is undeniable, but her commitment to protecting others inspired me. If I can help her harness her abilities, she could avoid mistakes like mine."
"You mean the one time when your dark side took over and started a killing spree at the Killer Instinct tournament?" TJ asked, and Jago stared at him. "Sorry, Ninja-Boy, that was way out of pocket."
"It's fine. I've come to terms with my past, and it's taught me many lessons." Jago glanced back at the book, his expression relaxed. "If Carrie can learn from my experiences, she won't have to face the same darkness I did."
"That's noble of you, man. Not everyone gets a second chance, let alone the chance to guide someone else through their journey. I guess that's what makes you a skilled teacher. Carrie's lucky to have you watching her."
"Indeed. I want to ask you something. Why did you freak out when you asked Carrie for her name at Orchid's hideout?"
TJ glanced away, rubbing his neck. He recalled his discussion with Orchid about telling Jago about Carrie's role in the Black Prom massacre. Goddammit, what should I do? I could explain what Carrie did. After all, he deserves the truth, but I don't want to damage their student-teacher bond. Think, TJ, think! I got it! He cleared his throat. "An incident happened in a Maine town where teenage punks attempted to deface a grave. They mentioned the tomb belonging to Carrie—our Carrie."
The monk furrowed his brow. "Go on."
"So, before then, there was another big incident called the Black Prom massacre," TJ continued. "News sources say a gas leak happened beneath the school gym where the prom was. I'm unsure if the school checked the gas tank, but a spark happened, and the place blew up. It killed around 442 people; most were senior students, and half were the teachers."
Jago's eyes widened, and his breath caught for a moment. "That's… horrible. Was Carrie among the dead?"
"Somewhat, but I'll get to that later. The massive blast enabled the fire to leap between buildings. It was like the eastern cousin of the Great Chicago Fire. The town was in chaos, and the media exploded with conspiracy theories. Some folks even claimed they witnessed strange things before the explosion, like objects moving by themselves. People always seek weird reasons for tragedies.
"Long story short, they performed a mass funeral for the dead. However, they never found Carrie near the remains. Some say she escaped the disaster, but no one confirmed her whereabouts. The authorities withheld information about the survivors, which only fueled the mystery surrounding her absence."
Jago crossed his arms, musing. "Hm. Orchid mentioned Carrie fooling everyone into thinking she was dead when she offered refuge at her hideout. I never understood it, but now that you're telling this…"
"Yeah, it's a lot to digest. Now, fast forward to the graveyard incident," TJ said. "Those punks believed that defacing her grave would somehow summon her spirit back or reveal some hidden truth about what happened to her. It didn't end well. Two died from unknown causes, and a third got taken to the hospital, although facing charges of attempted property damage. Since then, Carrie has become an urban legend in the town."
Jago shook his head. "It's incredible that a single night could spawn many myths and stories. Do these tales hold truth or serve as a coping mechanism for the town?"
"I'm hoping it's the latter. People create legends to make sense of senseless tragedies, which helps them find closure. Carrie's fate remains a mystery beyond our knowledge."
"I can see why her name freaked you out. So, now that you've seen and known her, has your demeanor changed?"
"It's difficult to say. Carrie's presence shattered myths but raised questions."
"Hm. Well, I appreciate you telling me this," Jago said. "I'll need time to process, but it helps me understand the full picture."
Whew! Crisis averted. "Hey, no problem, Ninja-Boy." TJ yawned. "We should sleep."
Jago nodded as he turned off his flashlight and slipped the book under his pillow. His mind churned with thoughts about Carrie as he lay in the dark. Someone faking their death and becoming a legend intrigued and unsettled him. With these thoughts swirling, sleep eluded him.
As dawn broke, a thick layer of mist wove through the towering trees, shrouding the rainforest in an ethereal blanket. Carrie emerged from her hut, the crisp morning air biting her skin. She floated to the top of the stone wall through her powers and sat. She gazed at the horizon, where soft pinks and vivid oranges painted the sky.
Carrie's heart was a swirling sea of emotions, each wave crashing with questions about her existence. Her mind raced with thoughts of divine intent, uncertain if she was a beacon of hope or a specter of caution.
"Carrie?" The girl glanced down as Maya appeared, now clad in her Incan-styled armor and attire. Her two daggers remained sheathed on her belt. "Good morning. Mind if I join you?"
"Um, yes, of course." Then, Carrie lifted a surprised Maya as she brought the Night Guard leader to the top.
Maya sat beside the young girl. "Goodness! You could've given me a ten-second warning!"
"Sorry about that. Sometimes, I forget how surprising my abilities are. Everything feels so different now. I wonder if I'll find where I belong."
"Finding where you belong isn't always about fitting into one place. Sometimes it's about creating a space where you can be your true self, surrounded by those who accept and support you no matter what."
"Not for me while I was… caged."
"Caged? Oh, you meant your hometown, right? Orchid told me about your life there. It made me wish I had taken a detour to help you while on routine missions. I also didn't see you at the gathering last night."
"I wasn't feeling well, so I returned to my hut. Given my experience with festivities, I didn't want to reopen wounds that should remain buried."
"I understand. Take things at your pace for effective healing."
Carrie nodded and spotted the twisting burn mark on Maya's leg. "What happened there?"
The Night Guard leader glanced at her scar. "Oh, this? So, remember when I mentioned Ultratech attacking my home? While fighting for my life, a fiery creature called Cinder gave me this. The pain didn't emerge until I escaped, and it hurt like hell. I somehow wound up in a random village where the locals treated my injury. It took about four to six weeks to heal the wound. At first, I resented it, seeing it as a sign of fragility. With time, I learned it represents my strength and resilience, a testament to surviving against all odds."
"That must've been horrific," Carrie said. "Yet it's inspiring how you turned something painful into a source of strength. I hope I can find that kind of resilience someday."
"You will. It's waiting for the right moment to shine."
"Man, I'm hungry, and I have a headache." TJ appeared, massaging his temples. Before long, everyone else appeared, some more rested than others.
"Bom dia," Maya said. "I trust you slept well."
"Apart from that damn candiru dream, followed by a guinea pig jury demanding an apology from me for eating one of their own, it was fine," TJ said.
"Meu Deus, don't tell me you're still upset after eating Cuy."
"Hey, what can I say? My cousin used to have a guinea pig when we were kids, so don't blame me for thinking of Mr. Jiggles while eating!"
"Okay, you need a hearty breakfast to shake those dreams off," Orchid said. "It's just as well; we have much to do today."
Throughout the day, the gang divided themselves into various tasks. Jago, Carrie, and Pemba were underneath a waterfall, sitting in silence. Water roared in the air, its cool mist brushing against their skin. Sunlight danced through the canopy above, casting shimmering patterns on the rocky terrain. The earthy scent of wet stone mingled with the fresh aroma of the surrounding forest.
Carrie struggled to focus as she fidgeted on the damp rock, the water chilling her.
"Stay present," Jago said, sensing the girl's unease. "The waterfall's strength can be your strength. Let it guide you."
Empowered by the monk's encouragement, Carrie closed her eyes, taking a deep breath as she embraced the moment.
Orchid, Maya, and Nikita examined intel and maps in the Night Guard control room, tracking Ultratech or Kan-Ra's movements.
While walking around the village, TJ approached a guinea pig farm. Each arranged enclosure held guinea pigs of various colors and sizes. The animals scurried around, nibbling on fresh vegetables and hay, their soft squeaks filling the air. While looking around, one guinea pig caught his eye. Its striking pattern of black and white fur resembled a tuxedo. Its bright, curious eyes followed TJ's every move, and it had a small tuft of fur sticking up like a tiny mohawk.
"You like guinea pigs, eh?" a farmer asked while approaching the boxer.
"Yeah, I guess you could say they've grown on me. They creep into your heart, don't they?" TJ leaned closer to the enclosure, watching the tuxedo-patterned guinea pig waddle about. "Do you mind if I hold him?"
"Of course." The farmer lifted the guinea pig from its enclosure and handed it to TJ.
As he held the tiny creature in his hands, TJ enjoyed the gentle warmth of its soft fur. The guinea pig stared with its inquisitive eyes, and TJ chuckled as it nuzzled his fingers, its nose twitching. "So, what's the story with the entire farm?"
"Oh, we're breeding them to become Cuy."
TJ's heart sank. "I see. Oh look, there's a big-ass eagle outside!"
With the farmer distracted, TJ placed the guinea pig into his jacket pocket, whispering a silent promise to keep it safe. As the farmer craned his neck to glimpse the non-existent eagle, TJ walked away from the enclosure, hoping his furry companion would remain hidden.
It's nice to have some fans who don't know my shortcomings. While TJ recounted his tales to the children, the wary adults watched them interact with him.
Stories spread of travelers bringing trouble or taking advantage of their community's resources. Although they gave TJ the benefit of the doubt, they stayed vigilant, ready to protect their community from potential harm.
As evening came, TJ returned to his hut, removing the guinea pig he'd stolen from his jacket pocket. "Well, buddy, you're my secret sidekick now." He set the creature on his bed, allowing it to explore its surroundings. "I promise I'll look after you."
Then, the door opened as the gang arrived, giving the boxer no time to hide his newfound pet.
"Is that a guinea pig on your bed?" Carrie asked.
TJ swore under his breath but tried to keep things cool. "Uh, yeah. Guys, this is Reggie. He's my mascot partner. Pretty cute, right?"
Maya narrowed her eyes and crossed her arms. "Where did you get Reggie? And don't lie to me. A farmer approached Orchid, Nikita, and me and informed us that a guinea pig matching Reggie's description was missing. Also, you were the last person at his place."
TJ sighed while glancing at Reggie. "Okay, I took him only because I couldn't bear the thought of him becoming food. Besides, he reminded me of Mr. Jiggles for his charm. I know it was wrong, but I promise to make it right."
Before Maya spoke, an alarm blared through the citadel, signaling an emergency. The gang shifted their focus as the piercing sound demanded immediate attention. "We'll discuss this later. Right now, there's a bigger problem to handle."
"Carrie, stay here with, uh, Reggie," Jago said while everyone hurried out of the hut. "Pemba, you too, so you can keep them safe."
The shapeshifter nodded. "Malā'ī chōḍnuhōs. Ma tinīharūlā'ī mērō jīvanalē rakṣā garnēchu." (Leave it to me. I'll guard them with my life.)
"Jago, please be careful," Carrie said.
"Don't worry, I will." Once Jago left to join his fellow fighters, Carrie and Pemba watched while Reggie wandered around the bed, oblivious to the chaos.
The north quadrant of the City of Dawn was a harmonious blend of urban and natural elements. Cobblestone paths meandered through lush gardens that glowed under the moonlight. Tall, elegant lampposts cast gentle halos over the winding streets, shining on the intricate stone carvings of ancient myths that adorned the buildings. Beyond the city limits, the edging forest stood like a sentinel. Mist shrouded its towering trees, their leaves whispering secrets in the cool night breeze. Fireflies danced among the shadows, evoking a flickering effect.
Several Night Guard warriors guided the residents to safer grounds as the alarm blared. Other warriors positioned themselves on the wall, with their turrets aiming at the forest edge, ready to fire on command.
Maya and her friends arrived at the wall. "Pedro! What's the status?"
"Chefe, the disturbance came from the forest boundary. We're unsure what it is, but something is moving out there."
"Alright. Keep your eyes sharp, everyone. We can't let anything breach our defenses until we know what we're dealing with."
"Man, I'll feel sorry for whoever invades here," TJ said. "They picked the wrong neighborhood."
As movements occur within the forest, the warriors manning the bastions charge their weapons, waiting for Maya's signal. Then, a small rock creature emerged from the brushes, its eyes glowing green. Despite its petite size, its presence rippled with ancient energy.
Maya squinted, assessing its intentions. "Hold your fire. Let's see what it wants before we act."
The rock creature glanced around until it saw humans with advanced turrets on top of the stone wall. It raised its arms, palms open, in a gesture of peace. The glow in its eyes softened, and it approached the base of the wall, unafraid of the looming weapons above.
"Chefe, what do you think?" Pedro asked.
Maya studied the creature, intrigued by its peaceful gesture. She lowered her hand, signaling the warriors to stand down while maintaining a cautious demeanor. "It seems harmless. Pedro, take some men with you. Find out why it's here."
"Yes, Chefe." While Pedro asked for volunteers, the gang remained beside Maya, staring at their surprise guest.
"Well, this is unexpected. What is that?" Nikita asked.
"Whatever it is, the little guy's bold," TJ said.
As the gate opened, Pedro and his men stepped forward, their weapons lowered but still at the ready. He raised his hand in a gesture of non-aggression, mirroring the creature's posture. "We mean no harm. Can you communicate with us?"
The creature tilted its head, its glowing eyes studying the humans before it, weighing their intentions. It moved its rocky fingers in deliberate, rhythmic gestures.
"Sir, what's it doing?" a warrior asked.
Pedro studied the creature's movements, recognizing the signs he had learned in his youth. "Wait a minute. I think it's using sign language to communicate. Thank goodness I'm fluent in this." He moved closer, lowering himself to meet the creature's eye level. He then signed, "Hello, my name is Pedro." The man pointed to himself and gestured towards the creature to show he was addressing it. "We are friends." Pointing to his men and then toward the living being, he signed the word for friendship.
The rock creature paused before its eyes brightened and signed, "You can understand me?"
"Yes, I can," Pedro signed. "Who are you?"
"I am Aganos."
"Aganos, as in the war-golem? How can this be? I expected you to be a giant."
"This is my avatar form. My actual form lies deep in the forest. I couldn't reveal myself because of those things."
Pedro glanced back at the turrets. "Fair enough. What brings you here?"
"I need help for my friend. He's wounded and has a high fever. I've used the Eye of the Ancients to keep him alive, but he keeps getting worse."
"Pedro, what's happening down there?" Maya spoke through the transmitter in the man's ear.
"Hold that thought." Pedro pressed the transmitter. "Chefe, this creature, Aganos, needs our help."
"What? That's Aganos?"
"I know. I had the same reaction, too, but it's in avatar form. Its native form remains in the rainforest. It seeks help for someone who needs medical attention. I guess this person may be with the golem's natural form."
"If that's the case, ask Aganos if it could lead you to this person."
"Alright." Pedro then asked the golem in sign language, "Can you lead me and my men to your friend?"
Aganos mused before signing, "I have a better idea." The avatar raised its rocky arms to the sky, performing a series of intricate signs that echoed through the air. Deep within the forest, the ground trembled as a low rumble grew. Moments later, Aganos' true self emerged, pushing trees aside like twigs.
A man with war paint covering his face and upper body was in the war golem's arms. Blood leaked from two puncture wounds in his stomach. His body trembled as he fought his fever, and beads of sweat glistened on his skin.
Pedro assessed the situation and told his team, "We need a medic here now!" His men sprang into action, gathering supplies and preparing a makeshift stretcher. Pedro assured the golem in sign language, "We'll do everything we can to help your friend."
"Thank you! Thank you so much!" the golem's avatar signed.
Pedro tapped the transmitter. "Are you seeing this from the wall, Chefe?"
"Everything," Maya said. "My friends and I are heading to the medical wing to prepare for their arrival."
"Understood. How should I handle Aganos, or at least its giant form? I don't think he'll fit in the vault if we let him into the citadel. He's too big."
"We'll have to accommodate him outside the citadel. Maybe the open courtyard could work."
Pedro nodded, glancing at the towering golem and signaling his men to move.
The small hospital inside the Night Guard citadel was a testament to Incan innovation, with its walls adorned with intricate stone carvings depicting ancient healing rituals. At nightfall, torchlights cast flickering shadows across the room, casting light on shelves filled with herbal remedies and medical tools made of bronze and obsidian. The air was thick with the aroma of eucalyptus and sage, creating an atmosphere of calm amidst the stress as healers in traditional woven garments prepared to welcome their patients.
Maya and her friends gathered in the waiting room. They exchanged knowing glances, each ready to act when the injured man arrived. When Pedro's team came with the golem's avatar and the wounded man on a makeshift stretcher, Jago, Orchid, and TJ stared at the victim.
"By the Tiger…" the monk uttered.
"Oh, my God," Orchid added.
"Holy shit, are you serious?" TJ said.
Maya furrowed her brows. "Do you know that man?"
"Yeah. The man's name is Thunder. He's a friend," Jago said. "What happened to him?"
"Ultratech did this, at least one of its creations." Pedro approached with the rock creature on his shoulder. "Aganos told me everything."
A/N: Aganos finally finds help for Thunder, but has it come too late? It's time for my brain to rest, so I'll see you later.
